Top of the world

Polar specialists Quark Expeditions completed the first-ever passenger hot air balloon journey to the North Pole this week.

The passengers were taken up four at a time, and spent five minutes at the top of the world. Quark is now offering dates for the next four Arctic seasons, all in June or July, until 2016. Prices for the 13-night trip start at £14,190 (€18,097) including transfers, helicopter rides, all meals and the hot air balloon ride. See quarkexpeditions.com